ABSTRACT
One consequence of insanitary conditions is that, under conditions of neglect, infestations of stored-product pests can increase until their populations become large enough to attract and support arthropod predators. The terminal pincer of the pedipalp is the pseudoscorpion fragment most frequently found in processed food products. Each walking leg has six segments. Several species of pseudoscorpions are likely to be encountered in food products and around food-handling facilities. The commonest of these synanthropic species is the cosmopolitan book pseudoscorpion, Chelifer cancroides, also known as the house pseudoscorpion. Other pseudoscorpions that are distributed by commerce and may be found in stored-products include Chthonius terrachelatus; Paisochelifer callus Beier; Allowithius spp; and Pselaphochernes sp. Allochernes powelli, Dinocheirus panzeri and Lamprochernes minor Hoff. Scorpions are relatively well known and easily recognized by their large, pincerlike pedipalps and their slender, five-segmented tail terminating in a bulbous segment that bears a venomous sting.
